Esophagocoloplasty fistula successfully treated with vacuum-assisted closure.

Esophageal fistulas in the cervical region are usually difficult to manage and carry a high morbidity. We report a case of an esophago-colonic fistula after colonic interposition, successfully managed with vacuum-assisted closure 'V.A.C. system', (Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX, USA). The patient initially presented with purulent fluid from the cervical wound 13 days after surgery. Esophagogram confirmed a leak. Since the patient had a history of anastomotic leaks, a surgical intervention was not the treatment of choice. In light of this, conservative treatment with V.A.C. system was initiated. She underwent full recovery.

Esophageal perforation during gastric bypass: delayed diagnosis and management.

Mediastinitis secondary to esophageal perforation is usually a life-threatening problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present a 44-year-old morbidly obese female who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass, during which she suffered perforation of the distal thoracic esophagus diagnosed 5 days later during progression of mediastinitis. She was treated with left posterolateral thoracotomy, drainage of a peri-esophageal abscess and primary repair of the esophagus with intercostal muscle reinforcement, and cervical esophagostomy. Thereafter, she had an uneventful hospital course, and remains well on 12-month follow-up.